Ayahuasca Vs. Iboga

Iboga and Ayahuasca

When researching iboga and ayahuasca they often reference each other, but are they really alike? They are alike in the sense that they are both entheogens and sacred plant medicines that have been used by the native peoples of their respective origins for hundreds, possibly thousands of years. They both contain psychoactive properties that can produce visions but iboga and ayahuasca have far more differences than they do similarities.

Origins

Iboga and Ayahuasca come from two different parts of the world. Iboga is the central pillar for the spiritual practice Bwiti and originates in West Africa, mainly Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. The people of this region use the alkaloid-containing roots of the plant in a number of ceremonies. Ayahuasca is native to the Amazonian area of South America, specifically Peru.

Ceremonies

Iboga and ayahuasca have very different ceremonies. Iboga ceremonies typically only have a few participants consuming large doses of iboga (small doses are commonly used during ceremony, but not a vision-producing dose) while the whole community comes to participate in the ceremonies. Ayahuasca ceremonies usually have many participants drinking the sacred brew while the ceremony is led by a select few. Natives of Africa usually only consume large doses of iboga once or twice in a lifetime while ayahuasceros consume ayahuasca many times through out their lifetimes.

Effects

Each plant medicine has its own unique feel. Iboga is not often described as pleasurable, but certainly has benefits for its use. Ayahuasca on the other hand, can be quite enjoyable even with the purging process, and gives information in a very different way than iboga. Both medicines are used for those seeking to improve their lives, their connections to others and the earth, and finding a balance in life. Both iboga and ayahuasca bring the participant into direct contact with spirits realm, earth and nature.

Ayahuasca

Most users report that iboga has a masculine energy while ayahuasca has a feminine energy. Iboga shows things in a very blunt, direct way while ayahuasca can be gentle and comforting. New Life Ibogabelieves that participating in a program to experience both medicines creates a balance of these extreme energies to promote maximum healing.

Which Plant Medicine is Best for Me?

New Life Ayhuasca recommends a 2 week program to experience both iboga and ayahuasca for the highest potential of healing and growth, however, we understand this is not always possible for everyone.

Ibogaine treatment requires a person to be of a certain level of physical health to participate. To ensure the safety of all our clients we conduct rigorous medical screening. For those who are unable to participate in ibogaine treatment, we recommend ayahuasca. (Medical screening is also done for participation in ayahuasca ceremonies, however, certain conditions that could be exclusions for ibogaine treatment would not exclude you from ayahuasca ceremonies.)

For those seeking relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD or compulsive behaviors, ibogaine may be the better option. Ibogaine treatment is best for those who have destructive patterns or behaviors in their lives and are seeking a huge life transformation. It is not a particularly pleasurable experience and those seeking treatment should be prepared for a very harsh reality shift.

For those seeking a profoundly spiritual but often feel-good experience, ayahuasca may be a better option. An ayahuasca retreat also opens your mind to different perceptions of reality. Ayahuasca is a plant teacher and each time you drink is a new learning experience. Many people who have experienced ayahuasca continue to drink again and again to keep a spiritual connection and to gain answers about life, nature and the connections of all things.

Both plant medicines require respect and should be taken seriously when considering participation in either one. Always do thorough research when picking a facility.

Ibogaine and Ayahuasca Treatment Therapy

New Life Iboga believes in the healing power the sacred plant medicines iboga and ayahuasca. We feel a week of ayahuasca ceremonies followed by iboga sessions can have profoundly beneficial results for spiritual discovery, personal growth, recovery and healing. All New Life Iboga full-time staff have experienced both iboga and ayahuasca and have had immensely positive life changes as a result. This is what ignited the idea and fuels our passion to make both of these plant medicines available in one treatment program.

New Life Iboga was the first treatment clinic in Costa Rica, and one of only a few in the world, to offer a program including iboga and ayahuasca and the ceremonies that surround their use. While others have tried to duplicate our unique therapy protocols, we remain the original innovators of the most beneficial healing programs available. Our program is 13 days and consists of 2 ayahuasca ceremonies followed by 2 iboga sessions.